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Memorandum submitted by Yvonne Foley (CJ&I 21)
I would like to express my grave worries about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which would make it a criminal offence to incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality. As a Christian I believe that we should love and show love to all people, irrespective of their lifestyle, beliefs and sexual practices. But, I also feel that the introduction of this law is unnecessary in that it endangers freedom of speech and freedom of religion in this 'christian' country. Surely people are already protected from assault and threatening words or behaviour under the current criminal law. Although it is not good to hate another person, nor is it a criminal offence to hate somebody for reason of their sexuality or for any other reason. This law would be just another inroad towards thought crime, as it outlaws the act of trying to make someone hate something or someone else. Although Christians do not hate homosexuals but are commanded to love them, they are instructed in the bible to hate sin. The bible is also clear that God intended sex to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman. Many people may find such teaching offensive. They may even find it threatening. But it is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church and has been for 2 thousand years, and such teaching should not be criminalised. Surely free speech entails perhaps disagreeing with what you say, but defending your right to say it. Christians are already living in an atmosphere of intimidation when it comes to being allowed to speak openly about their beliefs regarding sexuality. There have been a number of examples in the media where people have been reported to the police, interviewed by police, taken to court and even prosecuted for speaking openly about sexuality, or have lost their jobs. I firmly believe the pendulum has swung to the other extreme and now Christians are being marginalised and punished for holding to firm Christian values. Please reconsider and take on board the views of ordinary Christian men and
women who go about living peaceful lives but who also have a voice in this
Country. Stonewall and other pro-homosexual lobbyists have been pushing
the boundaries for the past 20 or so years and are poised to strike at the
smallest criticism voiced against them. Is there a law forbidding hatred
of Christians yet? Of course not, that is what free speech is all
about.
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